Water treatment and disinfection

Formaldehyde vs glutaraldehyde

Formaldehyde (CH2O, CAS 50-00-0) and glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2, CAS 111-30-8) are both listed under disinfectants and oxidizers.

Formaldehyde has a molar mass of 30.03 g/mol, glutaraldehyde 100.12 g/mol.

Measured boiling points are -19.5 °C for formaldehyde and 187 to 189 for glutaraldehyde.

Both carry the GHS signal word Danger.

On CompoundList, 440 suppliers list formaldehyde and 223 suppliers list glutaraldehyde.

Data last updated 7 October 2026

Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde compared side by side
Identity
	Formaldehyde	Glutaraldehyde
Name in our database	Formaldehyde	Glutaraldehyde
CAS number	50-00-0	111-30-8
Molecular formula	CH₂O	C₅H₈O₂
Molar mass	30.03 g/mol	100.12 g/mol
IUPAC name	formaldehyde	pentanedial
EC number	200-001-8	203-856-5
Physical properties
Appearance	Nearly colorless gas [Note: Often used in an aqueous solution]. /Pure formaldehyde/	Colorless liquid
Melting point	-92 °C	-14 °C
Boiling point	-19.5 °C	187 to 189
Density	0.815 g/cm³ at -20 °C	Relative density (water = 1): 0.7
Flash point	85 °C	>95
Solubility	In water, 4.00 × 10⁺⁵ mg/L at 20 °C	Miscible with water
LogP (octanol/water)Computed from the structure	-0.18	0.55
Safety (GHS)
Signal word	Danger	Danger
Pictograms
Hazard statements	H302 Harmful if swallowed. H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H330 Fatal if inhaled. H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects. and 1 more	H301 Toxic if swallowed. H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. H330 Fatal if inhaled. H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. and 3 more
UN number	UN 3077	UN 2810
Uses and classification
Uses and functions	Preservatives Disinfectants Escherichia coli metabolite Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite Aetiopathogenetic role Allergen	Preservatives Fragrance ingredients Disinfectants Oilfield biocides Synthesis reagents Antimicrobial agent
Category	Water treatment chemicals › Disinfectants and oxidizers	Water treatment chemicals › Disinfectants and oxidizers
HS code	291211Methanal (formaldehyde)	291219Acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function, other
Market on CompoundList
Suppliers	440 suppliers	223 suppliers
Supplier countries	59 countries, most in United States, India, China	34 countries, most in China, United States, India
Price rangeOnly prices set by suppliers who manage their own profile	Price on request	Price on request

Measured and computed values as shown on each chemical page, plus live listings on CompoundList. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Safety data is a summary, not an SDS.

Formaldehyde

Glutaraldehyde

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